I agree with you...I think this maxi is classy enough for the office..there are many that would not be considered professional wear. I have that widget on my site....37 ways to tie a scarf! Also, on Eileen Fisher's commercial site..she has ways to tie scarves...all very helpful!!

I don't get why you can't wear necklaces at work? That's odd... This is such a cute look and the shirt turning it into a maxi skirt definitely will make it look less casual! Hope you stay cool...we've got 98 degrees, humid in Chicago today :|

I absolutely love the maxi look too, haha! Great minds think alike! I agree with what the other commentors said -- I think with it being a solid neutral color, the black maxi you're rocking looks office appropriate. But I can't help you with the scarf -- I don't know too many ways to rock them, either. But the methods you've used work really well!

I too have discovered maxi dresses, and I love them. When I wear mine, most people think I just came from a special event, so I think it would be totally appropriate. Especially the way you're wearing yours. Why are necklaces forbidden at the office?

Mel - I think this maxi dress is TOTALLY office appropriate. (Although, I do understand how many of them worn as is can be far from office-ready.) The purple top and accenting scarf is a great touch. - Katy

I'm curious about your dress code. What type of environment do you work in? Why are necklaces prohibited? I have an internship in a hospital office and meet with judges, hospital executives, clients and their families, social workers and physicians. I am curious about appropriate workwear for this position...which is unique and limited to only two other people. They dress business appropriate, but do wear jewelry. When I worked on the ambulance...dangling jewelry of any time and rings other than wedding rings were prohibited for safety purposes. What is the rationale for prohibiting in your work place?

Hey, at least it's within dresscode, yeah? I love the purple scarf. It takes the purple shirt to a whole new level. I think you should look into a goodwill trip. Scarves galore for 75p-1.29. Check out Sal and Audi for scarf ideas. They have so many!

Lisa, I just posted a new page on the blog that explains more about my dress code. It's kind of nutty. I think the necklace thing is more because of the owning company being Seventh Day Adventist and they don't wear jewelry in their religion (outside of a wedding ring and maybe a watch). I'm pretty sure that doesn't have much to do with healthcare itself, especially for administrative positions that don't involve patient care.

I don't think you look too casual at all. I think that all things casual can be updated and made to look a little less casual with the right accessories and things.I think you look great. As for scarf tips...I have none, sorry. :(

I think this dress is perfectly put together for an office environment...and that scarf is gorgeous!! Also, there are a ton of scarf tying tutorials out there, but I pulled one off of the Lands End website that I love, if that helps at all :)